Civil Defence is an organisation comprising of approximately 4500 members who voluntarily make themselves available in their spare time. Much of this time is devoted to attending classes to train for situations which is hoped will not happen in real life.

The classes are in many disciplines during this training period. The skills which they require include First Aid, Search and Rescue, Fire Fighting, Boating Techniques, Radiation Monitoring, Radio Communications and Welfare

Civil Defence is split into 32 administrative areas based largely on Local Authority administrative areas. Civil Defence services are delivered by Local Authorities for their own administrative area through their Civil Defence Officer/ Assistant Civil Defence Officer. These Officers are involved in planning, organising and recruiting for Civil Defence.

Legislation

Civil Defence operates under legislation that includes the Air Raid Precautions Act 1939/1946, Local Government Acts of 1941 to 2001, various Statutory Instruments and the Civil Defence Act 2002/2012.

Under the Civil Defence Act 2002 a State Authority known as the Civil Defence Board was established to manage and develop Civil Defence at national level.

On 1st January 2013 the Civil Defence Board was dissolved in accordance with the Civil Defence Act 2012. The functions rested in the Civil Defence Board have been transferred back to the Minister for Defence.

Headquarters

The Civil Defence HQ is located in Benamore, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary. The offices are open from 09:15 to 17:30, Monday to Friday. The Office is located just off the first roundabout you meet entering Roscrea from the Dublin side

Contact Civil Defence

Civil Defence School Benamore Roscrea Co Tipperary Email: civildefence@defence.ie Web: www.civildefence.ie

Telephone Numbers School Office 0505 25338 Policy & Planning (0505) 25330 Finance & Procurement (0505) 25341 Fax Number (0505) 25344

More information on the Civil Defence is available on their website. >> Go to Civil Defence Website